What is a Beneficiary?

01:19

General Education

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This video simplifies the concept of a beneficiary in a life insurance policy and explains how multiple beneficiaries can be designated:

  • A beneficiary is the person or entity you select to receive the money from your life insurance policy in the event of your death.

  • Almost anyone can be chosen as a beneficiary, including your spouse, children, friends, charities, or even your estate. While some states and policies may impose limitations on beneficiary choices, most allow you to select who you wish.

  • You're not limited to choosing just one beneficiary; you can name multiple individuals, charities, or trusts as co-beneficiaries if you desire.

  • Here’s an example that illustrates how the proceeds from a life insurance policy are distributed among beneficiaries. If you have a $100,000 policy and designate your spouse as the sole beneficiary, the entire $100,000 goes to them. In a different scenario, if you name your spouse and child as equal co-beneficiaries, they would each receive $50,000 from the policy payout.